Dunlop leader Fitzmaurice vows to up intensity

Dunlop National Rally Championship leader Thomas Fitzmaurice has promised to intensify his attempt to win the series that moves to the penultimate stage at Sunday’s Auburn Lodge Clare Rally in Ennis.

The Abbeydorney driver has led the way since his tie-break victory over Cork’s Brian O’Mahony on the Circuit of Kerry. Currently, he is 14 points ahead of the Carrigaline driver, with Monaghan’s Niall Maguire lurking should they slip up in Clare.

A realigned eight-round series, with the best six scores to count, has produced one of the most exciting championship battles in recent times. With dropped scores taken into consideration, a margin of eight points separates the top trio — with Fitzmaurice and O’Mahony sharing top spot.